Market Pulse
Retail sales growth disappoints in October
UK retail sales saw a modest increase in October, rising by 0. 6% year-on-year, according to fresh data from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG on Tuesday.
Broker tips: Fresnillo, Smith and Nephew, 3i Group
Canaccord Genuity downgraded Fresnillo on Monday to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ as it pointed to a strong run over the past three to six months.
London close: Stocks mixed on eve of US presidential election
London markets closed with mixed results on Monday, as investors prepared for a week laden with key political and economic events, including the upcoming US presidential election and anticipated policy statements in both the UK and US.
Director dealings: Science Group executive chairman raises stake
Science Group revealed on Monday that executive chair Martyn Ratcliffe had acquired 10,000 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed science and technology consultancy business.
FTSE 100 movers: NatWest boosted by upgrade; S&N in the red
London’s FTSE 100 was up 0. 4% at 8,207. 11 in afternoon trade on Monday.
US open: Stocks mixed ahead of presidential election
Wall Street trading got off to a mixed start on Monday as Americans get set to head to the polls tomorrow.
Synectics wins further contracts with National Grid
Security and surveillance systems business Synectics has been awarded further contracts as part of a framework agreement with National Grid.
Futura Medical reports progress with R&D pipeline
Futura Medical announced encouraging progress in its product development pipeline on Monday, with successful proof-of-concept results for two new treatments addressing sexual dysfunction.
IMI appoints Luke Grant as CFO
Birmingham-based engineer IMI said on Monday that it has appointed Luke Grant as chief financial officer and executive director with effect from 25 July 2025.
Thames Water creditors seek support for £1.5bn rescue fund
A coalition of Thames Water’s creditors was reported to be seeking additional investors to support a £1. 5bn rescue fund on Monday, aimed at stabilising the troubled water utility and sustaining its operations through to next October.
Canaccord Genuity lifts Fresnillo price target, downgrades to ‘hold’
Canaccord Genuity downgraded Fresnillo on Monday to ‘hold’ from ‘buy’ as it pointed to a strong run over the past three to six months.
Clean Power Hydrogen strikes new licence agreement with Hidrigin, settles legal action with GHFG
Hydrogen technology company Clean Power Hydrogen has struck a new licence agreement and sales contract with Hidrigin and "amicably" settled its legal action with GHFG.
Zahawi reportedly helping Dovid Efune in £550m Telegraph bid
Former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi is actively engaged in efforts to support a £550m takeover of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph led by Dovid Efune, a New York-based media investor and current proprietor of the New York Sun, it was reported on Monday.
US pre-open: Futures trade higher as America gets set to vote
Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Monday as Americans get set to head to the polls in a little over 24 hours.
DSW Capital acquires DR Solicitors for £6.1m
DSW Capital announced the acquisition of DR Solicitors for £6. 1m on Monday, marking a transformative and earnings-enhancing move for the group.
London midday: FTSE extends gains ahead of US election, policy announcements
London stocks had extended gains by midday on Monday as investors eyed a busy week that includes the US presidential election and policy announcements in the UK and across the pond.
Aura Energy appoints Mauritania country manager
Aura Energy announced the appointment of Mohamed El Moctar Mohamed El Hacene as its new country manager for Mauritania on Monday, overseeing its operations within the country, including the Tiris Uranium Project.
PRS REIT appoints financial adviser for strategic review
PRS REIT announced the appointment of Singer Capital Markets Advisory as its financial adviser for a strategic review and formal sale process on Monday, following its initial announcement on 23 October.
Zotefoams confident in meeting full-year expectations
Zotefoams reported a robust trading performance for the first nine months of the year on Monday, with year-to-date sales ahead 23% at £110. 7m, compared to the same period last year.
Sainsbury's expands Aldi Price Match to Local stores
Sainsbury's announced itself as the first major UK supermarket to match Aldi prices in its convenience stores on Monday, committing a £1bn price investment over the holiday season.